This comes as member of the International Hockey Federation voted in favour of adding South Africa as well as Canada to join the Pro League.

South Africa and Canada becomes the first teams from Africa and North America to join the league.

Proteas player and Olympian, Daniel Bell, told OFM Sport that they have dreamt about this for quite some time.

“It's great news for us. As a team and personally it is a great opportunity. We are always talking about playing more games against top international sides.

“This opportunity to be a part of the Pro League is going to assist us to play competitive hockey on a regular basis.

“It's not only just going to benefit us as a nation and really stretch our national team. We are going to grow a lot from this opportunity.”

South Africa will host the Netherlands on 8 February at the North West University in Potchefstroom, and the following day they will be up against India.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport